While it’s by no means the best game that I played in 2020, it certainly made the list, and if you’re as much a fan of these same type of unique experiences as I am – I’m willing to bet you’ll find a lot to love about Mad Rat Dead, too.
Mad Rat Dead
Nippon Ichi Software · Oct 30, 2020
About
A rat's dream has been left unfulfilled before his death...that is, until he gets a second chance at life! Granted the opportunity to redo his last day on Earth, you must utilize the rat's newfound power to pump his heart in time with the music, lest his own time runs out. You’ve got one day to live and a huge score to settle. Time to put the "beat" in beatdown! Jump, dash, and smash to the rhythm in this music-based action platformer!
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Critic reviews
- While being a cool experiment that hasn’t really failed, Mad Rat Dead feels like it’s also missing some variation over time. Part platformer and part rhythmic game, both could have used less of the same. The music isn’t great while still uplifting, and eventually, you will mostly want to play this one in short bursts if anything.
- 8.0Its wacky storyline and stylish graphics, Mad Rat Dead would be a confident platformer even without the rhythm mechanics. But with the help of an excellent soundtrack, it’s an experience that feels wholly original, even if it’s not the first game to blend the platforming and rhythm genres. It can be a tricky game at times, but with the help of the rewind function, it’s one that feels relatively breezy overall, letting you just sink into the music and bust out those sick moves.
- It’s not a stretch to say that NIS’ rodent-themed rhythm game might have very well created a new sub-niche of the rhythm game genre. Not only does Mad Rat Dead succeed as both a rhythm game and a platformer, but it masterfully mashes the two together—creating a new and beautiful Frankenstein’s Monster of genres in the process. It’s easy to see that NIS’s new title has a whole lot of heart.
- Mad Rat Dead is a bizarre game in many ways, but also one that executed its concept about as well as could be imagined. The concept behind it is insane even by NIS standards and yet it’s a blast to play and its smaller stages make it perfect for either smaller play sessions where you don’t have much time to spare or longer play sessions to tackle several levels at a time when you do.
- 6.5If you’re a fan of rhythm games then it’s definitely worth checking out Mad Rat Dead. The vibrant punk aesthetic and catchy soundtrack alone makes it worth a gander. But for those of you that are rhythmically challenged then this is a harder sell. The repetitive levels and dull story aren’t going to do much for those gamers that are just looking for a fun platformer.
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